Officeworks price match crazieness

lakers1222 on 17/04/2014 - 13:00

tl;dr: Officeworks will try every scheme and tactic to avoid price matching any item that is over $20 less than their own price.
&Yanni, the call rep for Officeworks is a liar.

Just received some disgusting treatment from a Officeworks call representatives.

11:40 Big W stocking 4TB hard drive for $136. in stock and online delivery available

11:41. Called Officeworks to get a price match. spoke with Yanni, and after confirming they were both in stock he put me on hold for 20 minutes "to check". It took me all but 1 minute to check the same details as he did, not sure why he took him 20mins.
He said he can't perform a price match because "office works model has USB3 and USB2, and the BigW model only has usb3 (which anyone would know is always USB2 backwards compatible)
After asking Yanni, to speak to his Supervisor, I was told he was at a meeting. I asked for the the reason he couldn't provide the price match in writing. And he hung up on me.

12:02pm. Called Officeworks again, spoke to Malhinder. She put me on hold for 30 mins, "to check". It's been an hour since my inital phone call, Big W is now sold out and Officeworks can't perform the price match.

lesson learnt, Officeworks will never give you a price match on an item <$20 of their own price. They will
- lie to you and tell you the items aren't identical
- waste your time until the other store runs out of stock.

ps. I'm still waiting on their supervisor to return my call. Will keep this updated in the comments.

Poll Options

  • 133
    Officeworks have rejected a price-beat on **unfair** grounds
  • 5
    Officeworks have rejected a prce-beat on **fair** grounds
Electrical & Electronics

Related Stores

Officeworks
Officeworks

Comments

  • mick123 on 17/04/2014 - 13:36
    +30

    question - why didn't you get it from big w?

    • lakers1222 on 17/04/2014 - 14:15
      +47

      because I was a fool

    • blitz on 17/04/2014 - 14:17
      +93

      Don't give the price matcher your business! Reward the supplier that actually put in the legwork to bring you the compelling deal!

      • arcticmonkey on 19/04/2014 - 18:05
        +2

        I agree. This is why it astounds me that so many stupid people on here buy from Jetscum instead of going to the source of the flight bargains (Tiger). Without Tiger's price matching, Jetscum is likely to increase their fares leading to less bargains in the future.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2014 - 13:44
    +6

    I don't bother with the stress of pleading with these fools. The names they use/assume are enough for me. Buy from the competition, so what if you miss out on a 5% better price.

    • hahaboy on 18/04/2014 - 11:03
      +2

      Make it up with your ING 5% cashback card ;)

  • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2014 - 13:59
    +1

    call a different store yo
    some of them are decent about it

  • CyberMurning on 17/04/2014 - 14:15

    on the side, how would people comment about their return policy, will they accept change of mind (or some other make up reason) for external hard drives - box already opened

  • lakers1222 on 17/04/2014 - 14:16
    +12

    I got a follow up call from an Officeworks supervisor and she authorised the price-match. woohoo

  • ianyelts on 17/04/2014 - 14:34
    +15

    Don't let Officeworks get away with this scam; they now refuse to price-match anything, yet still advertise Price-matching on TV. The Government needs to issue them a $400,000 Fine, like they just did to TPG.

    Report Officeworks price-match rejections here:

    http://www.accc.gov.au/contact-us/contact-the-accc/consumer-…

    and also Report them here:

    http://www.cas.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/icms-public/complaint/…

    • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2014 - 14:48
      +2

      If OW get in trouble with a govt dept their most likely response would be to pull their pricematching policy. it simply wouldn't be worth the headache for them.

      pricematching is at the manager's discretion. so different results with different stores. any "legit" complaints should be directed towards OW head office.

      • ianyelts on 17/04/2014 - 15:22
        +1

        Just report them.

        The more complaints they get, the more the Government departments will put them under a microscope and make new laws & regulations.

        Or will make Officeworks get rid of price-matching entirely, as it seems to be very hit and miss, which is a bad thing.

        It's entirely FREE TO REPORT OFFICEWORKS!

        You pay your taxes, so let the Government earn it!

        • pmupsinep on 19/04/2014 - 09:42
          +12

          For what?….
          What rules are being breached?

          Do you always need the obvious pointed out to you, or just when you're on Ozbargain?

      • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2014 - 08:38
        +13

        Price matching is NOT at the manager's discretion when they ADVERTISE that they will beat any price on a sinilarly stocked item by 5%

        Which rules are being broken? THEIR OWN

        • andy19363 on 19/04/2014 - 09:27
          -2

          Which rules are being broken? THEIR OWN

          Indeed….. so why would anyone report them to the accc?

        • May4th on 19/04/2014 - 09:53
          +6

          because they advertise one thing and do another. is that so hard?

        • andy19363 on 19/04/2014 - 11:14
          -8

          They aren't advertising any prices…. the policy is a store-based policy, they are not legally obliged to provide price matching to anyone

        • May4th on 19/04/2014 - 12:18
          +2

          under consumer law they are legally obliged to do anything they advertise. the PM policy is plastered in all their catalogue and TV ads

        • andy19363 on 19/04/2014 - 19:26
          -3

          care to provide a link to that particular piece of legislation?

        • Trosticles on 19/04/2014 - 21:38
          +2

          Check out the Australian Consumer Law (a schedule to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010). http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2011C00003/Html/Volume_3#p…

          In particular, s18 (general protection) and 29(1)(i). Basically, all misleading practices have been illegal for a long time. You could pursue a civil remedy under standard contract law for such practices (though the flow of consideration may be argued). In order to protect the consumer, the principles have been made more stringent and have been codified for a long time (think TPA, FTAs). More recent legislative developments provide even more grounds for the relevant authority (e.g. the ACCC) to impose penalties for such practices.

        • andy19363 on 19/04/2014 - 23:00
          -7

          Neither apply as they are not making any representation about particular prices….. Their prices are what is written on the shelf/in the media, and are covered by the act. Anything beyond that is discretionary by the company. They obviously tend to honour it, as it's good for pr purposes, but they are under no legal obligation.

        • aznman on 20/04/2014 - 02:04
          +3

          http://www.accc.gov.au/business/advertising-promoting-your-b…

          "It is illegal for a business to make statements that are incorrect or likely to create a false impression. This includes advertisements or statements in any media (print, radio, television, social media and online) or on product packaging, and any statement made by a person representing your business.

          For example, your business must not make false or misleading claims about the quality, value, price, age or benefits of goods or services, or any associated guarantee or warranty. Using false testimonials is also illegal."

          As they advertise with their signs and on their website "lowest price guarantee" and that they will beat that price by 5%, they must honour their own advertisement so long as the circumstance fits the criteria that they list. Thus, it is not on the discretion of the company and they ARE under legal obligation to do so.

        • johnno07 on 20/04/2014 - 08:03
          +2

          Andy - misleading and deceptive conduct applies to more than just prices. It applies to all "conduct" that fits the bill.

        • andy19363 on 20/04/2014 - 11:21
          -3

          hmmm…. I'm still not convinced that this behaviour is covered by the act and they can be enforced to sell - They can just withdraw the item from sale.
          The lack of consistent store policies, (and lack of prosecutions/undertakings), mean that it's at the whim of the given retailer.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2014 - 11:30
          +2

          There's no question the law is poorly enforced. This doesn't mean it's not against the law.

        • aznman on 20/04/2014 - 16:27
          +1

          The lack of consistent store policies is not because it is based on the store's choice whether they give it or not. It is simply because they have employees that are either not properly trained or have a different view on what the guarantee means. The lack of prosecutions is also simply because not everyone runs to the ACCC whenever it happens as some customers may not care. Regardless, it does not give the excuse of not honouring what they advertised.

          There is no point to advertising something they promise to deliver all the time, and then turn their backs on it whenever they see themselves losing in the deal. Like what I posted previously, "the business cannot make false or misleading claims about any associated guarantee" and thus by not honouring the guarantee, would make their claims that they have the "lowest price guarantee" false.

          If you are still not convinced yourself, call ACCC and ask them and they would be happy to tell you what is correct or not.

        • andy19363 on 20/04/2014 - 16:57
          +1

          The lack of consistent store policies is not because it is based on the store's choice whether they give it or not.

          I meant in terms of different retailers having different policies, not one particular company.

          The lack of prosecutions is also simply because not everyone runs to the ACCC whenever it happens as some customers may not care.

          Or they are unable to prosecute…… These behaviours have been around for many years, yet very few prosecutions…. even one of the biggest, Flight Centre, was done for anti competitiveness, not failure to honour low price guarantees

        • Trosticles on 22/04/2014 - 14:31

          You are quite right that they cannot be enforced to sell. Under contract law, there are four elements that must be satisfied - offer, acceptance, consideration and intention to create a legal relationship. Advertised prices are generally an "invitation to treat" - the consumer makes the offer to purchase at the counter, and the seller can accept or reject that offer. As I mentioned, the flow of consideration is arguable - at the point that you make the offer to purchase (at the price-matched amount), no consideration (money/value) has flowed from each party to the other. So yes - the contract of sale is probably not in existence and no sale (or damages for the refusal to supply) can be enforced by a consumer.

          HOWEVER, that is not the purpose of the legislation, as aznman has basically stated. The legislation is not a civil remedy for consumers to recover their losses, it is to punish sellers that engage in misleading practices (whatever those practices may relate to). It is, as you say, at the whim of the retailer - if they can tighten their terms and conditions sufficiently (as many do) and still trade in a conscionable manner, then there is little the ACCC can do. BUT, if a consumer complies with all those terms and the seller still does not behave as they have promised, then they are likely to breach those provisions.

        • compound on 22/04/2014 - 17:37

          Wait till you finish law school kiddo, that's where reality will hit. lol.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/04/2014 - 09:37

          What you have to understand is - "We'll beat any genuine price by 5%" is advertised everywhere. TV, radio, catalogue.

          There's a difference when they have a policy written up somewhere in T & Cs

          This is a stand out promise designed to attract customers to come to their store.

          It is true they can remove the item from sale - but that's not what they are doing - they are refusing to honour their own stand out promise with reasons that are not covered in their own rules.

    • blitz on 18/04/2014 - 09:10
      +7

      The rules say it has to be an identical item. ie identical model number

      Nope, the 'rules' don't say that at all: "All identical products and services with identical terms and conditions". Model number is not involved. They couldn't feasibly base it on model number, because even subtle changes in packaging or colour can result in a different model number for stocking purposes.

      The only reason I would break this rule is if the price matched retailer has a better support network with regards to returns.

      Nice try, but what's that got to do with it? This policy inevitably means that the largest company would get your business (e.g. Officeworks) because they would have the most extensive support network. But the problem is that the largest company rarely has the incentive to offer personalised service. In any case, returns should make no difference in Australia where customers are adequately covered by Fair Trading rules.

      • akula on 18/04/2014 - 10:42
        +2

        This should get more attention. Please reply to this brispaul.

      • diddy50 on 18/04/2014 - 10:49
        +4

        I disagree.

        If it's a matter or white or black in the model number code there has never been an issue.

        But otherwise it needs to be the same model number as that would be an identical product.

  • ssx on 18/04/2014 - 08:38
    +1

    Same thing happened to me. They claimed they were out of stock for that Samsung Note 8.0 and claimed Bing Lee were out of stock too (they were not at that time).

    • diddy50 on 18/04/2014 - 10:46
      +11

      Trick is to always ask for stock when you are in store then you get the price match so no excuses can be made.

      Plus use their ccomputers to look up competitors.

      I always leave MSY parts price list open for the next person.

      • ssx on 18/04/2014 - 14:28
        +1

        That's what I did. Asked if there was any in stock, he went to the computer to check, then his manager or someone went to him and said loudly (to the guy checking stock) that " we don't price match with Bing lee because they don't have any left".

        I didn't even mention anything about a price match. I was on my own, wasn't talking to anybody.

        In fact I waited ages for a salesperson…had to look for one myself. And there was only 2 or 3 other customers in store at the time.

        • diddy50 on 19/04/2014 - 23:10

          I guess the other store does need to have stock in order to price match. As long as they do, it shouldn't be knocked back

  • Ughhh on 18/04/2014 - 09:55

    I've price matched a $588 laptop and the $250 Samsung galaxy note 8 successfully at a ow store. Of course they'll check how legit the item and store/site is and if the products are identical. The sales guy said diff colour would be a diff product. Perhaps the reason for that is consistency, some colors might be limited edition or something.

    How is making ow get rid of price matching a good thing? Seems like a big whinge to me.

  • diddy50 on 18/04/2014 - 10:45
    +2

    I just ask if they have stock and go in. Sometimes just go in and see if they have stock. as they will price match and always have. Regardless if it reduces their price by $100 or $2.5

    Never ever had a problem. Plus in store you can bring it up on their display pc. Plus no excuse to leave you on the phone 30mins.

    Honestly would have been quicker to drive in and buy it than wait on the line.

  • MrBillions on 18/04/2014 - 11:13
    +4

    Yanni = Tristan?

    • lakers1222 on 18/04/2014 - 15:13
      +3

      Both Yanni and Malhinder spoke with Indian accents.
      Gale, the supervisor that retuned my call spoke with an Australian accent.

  • AssociatedFlying Ace @ Officeworks on 18/04/2014 - 11:56
    +3

    You'll find it's hit and miss unfortunately. I know at my store our manager doesn't have any issue price matching - last week we reduced a $249 printer down to $149 (minus the 5% as well) because the customer found it cheaper elsewhere. For some reason many managers it seems would rather anger many potential customers (through word of mouth) than to just beat the price and keep someone happy.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/04/2014 - 09:41
      +1

      I'd love to know which store this is

  • bs0 on 18/04/2014 - 11:57
    +1

    pricematched the netgear wndr3700 modem router for ~$140 back when it was still ~$240. I suppose it does depend on store/staff on the day. though i wouldn't bother ringing, just go in and pick up the item you want, and then price match with the manager.

  • MrBillions on 18/04/2014 - 12:54
    +5

    This is a good discussion and i hope someone from OW responds. The delonghi deal should have been price matched but the OW people use just any excuse not to.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/140564

    First excuse price match does not apply to sale product. Not true.
    Second excuse not identical product. Not true.
    Third excuse the guarantee excludes cash back offer but sale price was not including cash back offer, not correct. So got him there again.
    Fourth excuse it is contract pricing between target and delonghi. I didn't have a comeback here as i dont understand what contract pricing is even after looking it up but dont see how this applies here but probably not true either as he would have said this in the first place if true. So I just walked.

    Why do they bother with this useless guarantee? Ends just up annoying customers.

    http://www.officeworks.com.au/information/policies/lowest-pr…

    Anyway, I know they received head office communication not to match this product/price but the employees probably don't understand the reason either.

    • Ughhh on 18/04/2014 - 14:00
      +1

      First excuse price match does not apply to sale product. Not true.

      It was a clearance product, not the usual 'sale' product.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/04/2014 - 13:07
    +1

    Over the years I haven't ever been rejected in person, except when there was a legitimate reason like I forgot to check stock at whomever I was trying to get the pricecheck from.

    This includes a notebook taken down from ~$1,300 to ~$810 (pricematching a ~$850 MSY model). They clearly weren't super happy about it and checked, double checked and triple checked the model and specs, but they didn't try any weak excuses to not honour it.

    This was back when Officeworks was a bit more lax about stocking models that were available elsewhere. These days they try and get only-through-Officeworks models to avoid that sort of thing.

    • McFly on 20/04/2014 - 15:57
      +1

      That's pretty much been my experience too.
      Got a WiFi repeater about a year ago price matched with MSY also I think for a similar percentage off.

  • deal88 on 18/04/2014 - 13:25

    It is always a lot easier for someone to lie to you over the phone than to your face in a store.
    Once I pulled out my phone to a OW person (manager?) and told him to repeat his comments for the camera because I would be chasing the issue up. End the end he gave me the price match.

    Usually, I would give the original store the discount, but I was not near a BigW at the time.
    OW are bad, but I have found Myers at Northland, Melbourne a lot worse. They would not even price match Harvey Norman, they should legally have to take down their price match sign.

    • deal88 on 18/04/2014 - 13:29
      +1

      I should add……
      This is Myers policy

      "We will match a recognised competitor’s offer if the merchandise is identical or the merchandise offer is identical and is not below our cost price, the competitor has the exact merchandise in stock, it is available for sale and the requested price can be verified."

      The products were in stock and could be verified.
      Was trying to use up some vouchers, and every time I was told "sorry, this is under our cost".
      Of course, they will never tell you what their cost is.

      And, I was not trying to match small no name companies or on line deals. I was trying to match, Harvey Norman, JB HiFi and Office Works. All apparently below Myers cost price. I call BullSh!t!

      • cloudy on 18/04/2014 - 13:38

        Was the item a sale item?

        • deal88 on 18/04/2014 - 16:00

          One was a HP Printer in the HN catalog (and instock at HN). One was a Samsung BluRay Player at JB HiFi at the standard JB ticket price, in stock at JB in the same shopping centre.
          Can't remember what the Office Works match was.

          Bought printer at HN, BluRay at JB. But wasted my time at Myer.

          Also note… this was just for a price match, not a price beat!

      • Ughhh on 18/04/2014 - 14:17
        +1

        Myers cost price are very high. I went to price match a Remington hair straightener kit, everyone elses regular shelf price (Big W , the Good Guys) was about $99. Myers price was $189, I managed to get a peek at their cost price book, their cost price was $99.

        • sparkles on 19/04/2014 - 00:23
          +2

          A lot of places "cost price" the staff see are loaded up with underlying selling floor costs.

        • May4th on 19/04/2014 - 09:55
          +2

          the lists you see are never the true 'cost' price

        • cloudy on 19/04/2014 - 11:55
          +1

          @xbai, ur right it's not the true cost price, but it's the price the retailer has to sell it for in order not to lose money. Break even price.

          Whether or not one wants to debate the definition of cost price, it's the way it is.

          If jb or HN were to sell clothing I'm sure their cost price would be higher than myer too unfortunately.

        • May4th on 19/04/2014 - 18:15

          there is a difference between 'true cost price' and the lowest price they are willing to let it go for. no one knows the truce cost price and you would be naive to think a price list distributed to the bottom rung of the sales ladder would reflect the true price at which no profit is made

        • Kevan2 on 19/04/2014 - 21:52
          +1

          There are various cost prices. The Companies wholesale purchase price, In-store delivered in price. And should I suggest department floor cost price. It all is related control of targeted sales performances and profit transference. Not saying this is any national store strategy as I have not seen, read or worked for or with any of them.

    • SUQ MADIQ on 18/04/2014 - 15:01

      Is it legal video record a conversation in a private area ?

      • deal88 on 18/04/2014 - 16:04
        +1

        If the person is advised you are recording there should be no issue.

        • wukachuka on 20/04/2014 - 02:05

          technically true , but with a catch or two… in queensland anyway…

          "When can I tell somebody about a conversation or publish a conversation that was legally recorded?

          If you were involved in a conversation that you legally recorded, it is illegal to communicate the conversation or publish it if you do not have the permission of the other people involved in the conversation. Penalties apply. You may be able to use it as evidence in court proceedings."

      • McFly on 20/04/2014 - 15:54

        Yes, but they could just kick you out anyway if they don't like it.
        Awful stories here aside, I wouldn't blame them for that.

    • deal88 on 18/04/2014 - 16:07
      +7

      I think he acknowledged he shold have bought it from Big W.
      The main issue here is the companies are advertising price match and then turning down legitimate price match requests.

      I my instance, I live 5 minutes from 2 Officeworks stores and at least 30 minutes from a Big W.

    • ThisJustin on 18/04/2014 - 18:53
      +8

      To be perfectly honest with you, I have no sympathy for you. When a store gives you a good price, you buy it from that store and don't waste your time with pricematching.

      This is the antithesis of the point of OzBargain's existence.

    • compound on 19/04/2014 - 12:38
      +2

      Blasphemy! How dare you spit such vile in such a sacred place as OB!

  • wonderboy on 18/04/2014 - 17:20
    +1

    Always talk to the teen staff who don't care or know what there doing. They haven't rejected any of my pricematching deals.

    • cooldude123 on 18/04/2014 - 19:54
      +1

      The thing about doing that is that they often pass it off to their manager or supervisor who is usually much more strict in their pricematching and often refuse unfairly

  • lplau on 18/04/2014 - 17:50
    +1

    I think the OP isn't experienced enough with price matching.
    The easiest to pricematch is to go into the store and ask them to do it on the spot.

    Show them the advertisement, online websites are the best, especially if they show the model number and stock levels.

    If your website shows model number + stock level then they will do price match on the spot.

    The following proof will not work for pricematch:
    1. No physical store e.g. online only.
    2. Online only offers
    3. Photocopied or Photographed receipts.

    I haven't lost a pricematch with office works using the in store tactics.
    Stop being lazy and trying to do everything over the phone, do it in person to get highest chance of success.

    I've pricematched a hard drive with them and the competitor was only $1 cheaper, still managed to do it, obviously the guy wasn't impressed but he still did it.

  • Mysterious on 18/04/2014 - 18:13

    Go there in person. Best solution.

  • Associatedexow @ Officeworks on 18/04/2014 - 19:17
    +8

    OP,
    I am an ex employee at Officework's call centre. Apart from the senior employees, Officeworks employs and recruits all of us on a contract basis; roughly paying $13 an hour. Which is why the quality of the customer service team is very varied (some of them have only been in Australia for less than a year).

    Basically, when we are asked to price match something; we just have to make sure that the competitor stocks the identical stock, include the shipping price & make sure they have some in stock. We are not allowed to price match 'special order items' and products that we do not have in stock (in our warehouse). There is no 'maximum price we are allowed to pricematch'.

    When I was working, I price matched almost everything (apart from products from Kogan due to them being grey market imports), so if you really do think you deserve the price match, then I recommend you keep calling until you get someone to do it.

    Or if you want to be guaranteed to speak to a senior customer service rep; i recommend at the beginning of the call, when it says 'if you are looking for a refund or enquiring about an error with your delivery, please press ___' press that one; and just go ahead with asking for a price match.

    • fruxo on 18/04/2014 - 22:14
      +3

      How can you tell if it is a grey import or not, do you just have a few known stores where you just don't price match anything as they are "grey importers"?

      I don't usually bother trying to price match as it's such a hassle. I was at officeworks once and they had the same product I wanted to buy, so just thought I'd save myself the hassle and buy from them. The product was a seagate external harddrive from Umart. I was told that it was grey import and they would not price match, despite same model number. Not very friendly about it either. I personally have no idea if they do grey imports or not, probably likely that they might, but not something I as a customer can be expected to know..

      • compound on 19/04/2014 - 12:35
        +2

        It's the principle. Cbfed attitude leads to people being rorted. Might as well be cbfed with life.

    • cwongtech on 20/04/2014 - 22:42
      +2

      All pricematches through the Online team to get a quote + delivery has always been successful for me, but not in store ones. e.g. M950 mouse from LTS, in-store the manager did not allow it, contacted the officeworks support email and they allowed it.

  • cooldude123 on 18/04/2014 - 19:58
    +2

    While I was pricematching the Delonghi, not only did the manager refuse it, but she also called other stores nearby and head office and told them specifically not to pricematch it.

    Luckily, the other store I had went to hadn't received the email or memo, and pricematched it for me.

    Just shows how much the manager can go to in order to deny a pricematch for a customer.

    • lplau on 18/04/2014 - 21:14

      There must have been a reason not to pricematch it though.

      Usually when memos are sent out, they usually mean "do not pricematch as the price at competitor is pricing error" or something similar. Either that or its grey stock, which is on their list of grey stock suppliers which they automatically decline.

      They don't just say no because of a memo. Did you ask them for the reason?

      If there is no reason given, just speak about false advertising, and speaking to ACCC.
      Then ask the person for their employee details (e.g. employee number, name), so you can lodge a formal complaint with ACCC and Officeworks.

      Usually once you start mentioning False Advertising & ACCC then they will cave in.

      • MrBillions on 18/04/2014 - 21:42

        In the delonghi case the 'competitor' is target which is part of the same group as OW = Wesfarmers so one could expect communication between the two to prevent PM. As I said at the end I just couldn't be bothered anymore dealing with the store manager.

  • netsurfer on 19/04/2014 - 01:09

    It generally depends on the store and the staff. Generally, you will find most OW stores are pretty good. It is better to go to the store (because you can show them a printout or the item details on the smartphone). If there is a manufacturer's part number, then even if the description does not match 100% (i.e. USB3 and USB2 vs just USB3), you can still point out the part number is the same.

    Also, if for some weird reason, the staff and store manager refused to price match, then just go buy from the original store that is selling the item cheaper than OW's RRP - if you REALLY need that extra 5% off in order to buy the item, then simple… don't buy it.

    The item in question was a clearance item with very limited quantity. Since you cannot get it from BigW anymore (sold out), there is no point pursuing this further. No stock available, no price beat possible now. Save your energy on finding another bargain instead.

  • shinichiduy on 19/04/2014 - 01:45
    +1

    Dont try over the phone, they are stupid. I once tried to price match with MSY and the staff refused it on the basis of not having identical terms and conditions. They said that MSY does not allow return for change of mind while OW does. I have to admit that while it is perfectly correct, it is the main point why I tried to pricematch in the first place and I think it is the main advantage OW is trying to differentiate itself from the competitors. If they refuse to pricematch on that basis, they dont have to pricematch (mostly) any competitors in the market since a very limited number of them now offer return for change of mind. In the end, what is the point of putting pricematch policy in the first place. If the point is to advertise, then it would seem to be misleading and deceptive.

    In store is a different story, my advice is keep trying since results are different from store to store, staff to staff. Keep trying and you will eventually get it. And one more, read their pricematch policy hereand make sure that you are not fooled by staff making invalid excuses inconsistent with their policy. Excuses like "we do not price match online store" or "we do not price match special price" or "we do not pricematch services product (like sim card)" clearly indicate incompetency and ignorance (whether deliberate or not. Make sure you know and show them their internal law and make them follow it.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2014 - 13:40
      +1

      I've had that story as well (apparently on a directive from head office), but the policy is "Identical stocked ITEM", and the Tc & Cs of the store is not part of the item itself, so they have reversed course and now MSY is back on the menu, although they put more scrutiny into it for MSY price matches so you will have to wait while they do that.

  • timetoquit on 19/04/2014 - 03:10
    +1

    Ive commented on a previous similar thread and like many others have said, try another OW store. I price matched a Brother MFC 9970 CDW OW RRP was $999 I got it down to around $650 or less this was roughly 8 months ago.

    I also recently price matched the 4 OEM Brother toners from Inkstation, OW had them at 150 per toner. I ended up paying under $270 for all 4.

  • nikey2k27 on 19/04/2014 - 08:58

    I personal deal with officework alots never real had and big problem get them price match.

  • headlessfly on 19/04/2014 - 10:06
    +3

    I disagree. I buy many things, particularly computer or office electronics or printer consumables from Officeworks because it's closer to my house than UMart or other discount online retailers. I always search online and print out the cheapest price and take it to officeworks and ask them to price match. Never had a problem

    It soon becomes obvious that Officeworks' RRP makes them a huge margin.

    The latest item I pricematched was a laser printer cartridge. $130 at officeworks, $80 at Umart. Brought my printout and they immediately pricematched, even looked surprised that their price was so much more expensive than others, but pricematched , no questions asked.

    • lplau on 19/04/2014 - 22:53

      Although another place sells it for alot cheaper, doesn't always mean OW makes a large margin.

      I know people who work at retailers and some who work at suppliers. Every retailer gets different prices, usually depends on agreements with the supplier in regards to how many units they will order per month.

      Essentially sell more = cheaper prices from supplier.

      It all comes down to how the show runs their business, which model do they use?
      1. Sell Cheap, Sell More, Profit Less.
      2. Sell Expensive, Sell Less, Profit More.

      With 2nd option although their supplier costs are higher, however they offset it by selling at a higher price and ripping off the uninformed. e.g. Myer, David Jones, HN, OW, etc.

      Where as 1st option they sell more so they have the "purchasing" power to reduce their supplier costs. Places like MSY uses this sort of model.

      • retailripoffnomore on 20/04/2014 - 12:43

        they all have price protection with suppliers meaning if one decides to undercut big time they just keep amount they had to mark down they get back in stock value on the next order biggest scam around thats why now major suppliers wont carry the same models or have exclusive models so to help companys not price match

  • Wrathie on 19/04/2014 - 12:53
    +3

    Tried to price match Samsung galaxy note 8. Guy refused immediately after hearing Bing Lee.

    Claimed that they don't offer local warranty. And we have the manufacturer's warranty.

    Couldn't be stuffed arguing with him.

    Went to the good guys and price matched there.

    • lplau on 19/04/2014 - 22:54
      +1

      I hear that excuse a few times "not local warranty" then I just simply tell them "yes it is, go ahead and call them to confirm".

      They call them, and confirm then the guy looks pissed off because you just proved him wrong, and still has to do the price match. LOL!

  • GeronimoJerky on 19/04/2014 - 19:02
    -3

    I get them to price match all the time-Good for laser cartridges with cheap ones on line.

    They have never failed to help out in fact they didn't real show concern as they don't pocket the money.

    ONE time they didn't price match but it was my fault. I was trying to get them to price match a tolix style metal stool-Same dimensions and colour but different brand. As it clearly states in their terms and conditions
    "identical" as this was a different brand I accepted defeat a little red face and went elsewhere.

    When you say they said "office works model has USB3 and USB2, and the BigW model only has usb3 (which anyone would know is always USB2 backwards compatible) to me this is not identical..

    Rough treatment from them from the sounds of it but glad you got what you wanted in the end :-)

    The Big Chief

    OFFICEWORKS POLICY http://www.officeworks.com.au/information/policies/lowest-pr…

    • Arwedda on 20/04/2014 - 23:14
      +1

      that's not how USB works… "USB3" means "USB3 USB2 and USB1," the "and USB 2" in the ad is completely unnecessary information

    • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2014 - 23:38
      +4

      This is like saying Honda Balcatta are offering the Jazz 2014 vTi Sports 1.5L but Honda Burswood are offering the Jazz 2014 vTi Sports 1.5L with included steering wheel.

      Both models are identical, both models have identical fit outs including identical factory standard steering wheels, the only differences are the serial numbers. But one was advertised as "with included steering wheel" and the other one wasn't, so therefore they're different.

  • Lulabby on 19/04/2014 - 21:41

    My experience with them is one failed telephone price match. Other than that, It is easier to go in store and price match. As many mentioned, it really depends on store to store so you are lucky if you live closed to an easy store.

    Recently price matched a Samsung Galaxy S5 from $888 down to $730, really depend on store to store.

  • 3ah3ah on 19/04/2014 - 22:53

    definitely varies from store to store, i haven't had any prob in getting OW to price match, recently price matched an item from $107 to $60.

  • jason101 on 20/04/2014 - 07:34
    +1

    I had major issues at both Keswick (SA) and Croydon (SA). Any trick in the book to get out of a price match in store, usually they try to out "embarrass" me by rolling eyes or holding up a line of people, they have extreme nerve to do this - Once the manager even tried to "negotiate" a "fair" price with me. From the experiences of people above, looks like i'm not alone. Officeworks are not ethical when it comes to following their own price match guarantee.

  • cooldude123 on 20/04/2014 - 10:38

    Called them to pricematch something and they said there was apparently a $50 maximum difference that they can honour and anything more, they couldn't do it.

    • m00c0w on 20/04/2014 - 11:06
      +1

      I've regularly price matched items that have had >$50 price differences at the Officeworks near my work place. Depends on the store and salesperson in most cases. Have also matched a number of items over the phone too.

  • retailripoffnomore on 20/04/2014 - 12:39
    +1

    its all in the wording of the statement "identical stocked item" which can be used as in stock which is not the officeworks policy it means that another retailer online or store stocked that item or could get it as part of their normal stock eg harvey norman, good guys. Policy is to just do it as it brings customers to the store. NOW they are going with the not in stock sold out angle. ive seen some on here with that it takes 20 mins to half hour to get a answer this is because when somebody has a big sale such as the big w hard drives they only get x amount of stock and soon as it says sold out online they refuse to give it to you again not Officeworks policy. Any issues just ask for customer service manager of the business i think its Mr Coe when he gets heaps of calls he will make sure that policy and training for call centre will be done

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